Farmers in Erode district are facing water shortages while some reportedly draw lakhs of litres daily from the Bhavanisagar Dam. These farmers have installed two 3 HP motors directly in the dam's water spread area. Authorities face criticism for lax monitoring. The Bhavanisagar Dam, also called Lower Bhavani Dam, is Tamil Nadu’s second-largest reservoir. It supplies water to three irrigation canals serving over 2.4 lakh acres. Locals say a few farmers owning 50 to 150 acres near Kanrayanmokkai village have been pumping water illegally for years. They use motors on trolleys to shift with the receding water. Crops like banana and mango get continuous water. Residents allege Water Resources Department and power officials know but have not stopped it. T. Subbu, district secretary of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam, demanded "strict action and effective monitoring" to end illegal water withdrawal. Other farmers’ groups want the district administration to enforce a 2021 Madras High Court order for regular checks and criminal cases against violators. A senior Water Resources engineer said monitoring and action against offenders happen regularly. On January 2, 2025, the Bhavanisagar Dam water level was 97.35 ft with storage at 26.70 tmc ft of its 32.80 tmc ft capacity. Inflow was 5,983 cusecs and discharge 800 cusecs.